(This post is the 40th of what will be approximately 70 posts following 820th anniversary highlights of what history now calls the “Third Crusade.” My novel, The Swords of Faith, tells the story of this legendary clash between Richard the Lionheart and Saladin.)

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820 years ago today, Saladin asked that all but a few close associates leave his tent. With his brother and a few others with him, Saladin produced a letter that made him weep. Taqi al-Din, his talented nephew, a man instrumental in many of Saladin’s successes over the recent years, including his decisive victory at the Battle of Hattin and his recapture of Jerusalem, had died. True, Saladin was angry at his nephew for leaving Acre earlier in the year to establish his own position at his own fiefs. Saladin would always wonder if Taqi al-Din’s presence could have even helped him avert the defeats he has suffered since then. But he had always hoped Taqi al-Din would return, they would be reconciled, and his assistance would help Saladin achieve new triumphs. Now there would be no reconciliation, and for Taqi al-Din, no redemption. The memory of his achievements would be forever tainted by his departure before the job was done. For all these reasons, Saladin wept. In fact, Saladin had to be reminded not to weep too deeply, as this might be construed as a failure to except God’s will.